Virat Kohli has recently sent shockwaves through the Indian cricketing circles as he mentioned that India should follow the examples of England, South Africa, and Australia and have 5 major Test venues where Test cricket should be played, in order to keep the interest alive in the longest format of the game.
Though there were many detractors of this idea, Kohli has found a big supporter in former India pacer Zaheer Khan, who endorsed his idea. However, he feels five venues are too small a number considering the size of India and that’s why more such venues can be considered to host a Test match.
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“(Strong Test centers) It makes things easier. In theory, it sounds good. But, maybe, on the whole, the number can be debated. I feel five is just too small a number with regard to the size of the country. I am also in line with that thought process where you have dedicated Test centers are the criterions are met keeping in mind what is best for Test centers” Zaheer told IANS.
Kohli had floated the said idea because though India beat South Africa 3-0, the series didn’t see a footfall of spectators on the grounds like Vizag and Pune.
Zaheer, on the other hand, felt that Test cricket will remain popular despite the rise of T20 and T10 formats. “As I have said earlier also, I don’t think so Test cricket is facing any kind of problem by the advent of the shorter formats of the game. Test cricket is the highest and the purest form of cricket and it’s been going on for ages. Every cricketer wants to enjoy cricket and Test matches are the highest level where players have a lot to prove,” said the 41-year-old.
“As I have said earlier also, I don’t think so Test cricket is facing any kind of problem by the advent of the shorter formats of the game. Test cricket is the highest and the purest form of cricket and it’s been going on for ages. Every cricketer wants to enjoy cricket and Test matches are the highest level where players have a lot to prove,” said the 41-year-old.
Zaheer, who played 92 Tests for India also said that day-night Tests are the way forward to making the longest format of the game popular.
(IANS inputs)
